Ivan Toney has apparently asked fans to change a song they sing about him due to the fact it might cause some people offence.
Once upon a time, singing a football song was all about causing offence, but usually it wasn’t your own fans getting uppity about it. However, in a new family-friendly era, some of the edge is being taken out of the terrace culture.
The offending chant has the following lyrics; “Ivan Toney, Ivan Toney, He hates the Cobblers, He hates the Cambridge, his c*** is f****** massive!” That’s led to accusations of racial stereotyping from some of the Peterborough support.
Toney, in a statement seemingly worded by the club’s media team, appealed for the lyrics to be changed, although he did stress he didn’t find it offensive himself (who would?). “I want to thank the supporters for the way they have backed me since I arrived at the football club,” he said.
“It is great to feel loved by the fans. Whilst the song is not offensive to me, it would be great to hear a new family version of the song so all of the young supporters in the stadium can join in too.”
Of course, with the appeal comes a series of incredulous responses from Peterborough supporters, upset that the club are trying to cleanse up the stadium to such a degree that they’re censored for their songs. They’re not the first club to look to change chants, although there is surely a fine line between family-friendly and completely sanitising what is predominately a working-class pursuit.
Supporters have reacted on Twitter to the statement.
Wow hope the snowflakes r happy that there club have forced a player to make a statement, and even that confirms his not offended. Guarantee the "fans" complaining r the 1s who sit in silent all game and only stand up and clap a goal.
— Nathan pufc (@PufcNathan) October 29, 2019
Thank God, I’ve had enough of hearing young kids singing such a vile song, there is absolutely no need to use the words Northampton or Cambridge…
— Stefan. (@forzapufc) October 29, 2019
How long before club tells us we can’t hate cobblers & scumbridge. Nanny state
— Wayne (@kernal22) October 29, 2019
What a time to be alive, shall we take the F word out the song too? Easily change the offensive bit to “Dad” as his Dad is massive 💪🏼 #pufc
— Tommy Roberts (@TommyJRoberts) October 29, 2019
What is happening to football? Infact what is happening to society ? People seem to look for anything these days just to throw the political correct tick at it – games gone, society has gone too
— Rog (@rogerthedodge2) October 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/sheltonjb/status/1189215494194249728
Imaging being offended by this ❄️. Embarrassing
— Daniel Miller (@DanMiller95) October 29, 2019
whilst I’m certainly no snowflake, the club is trying to expand its fan base by appealing to more and more youngsters in and around the city. Hearing this song about the top goalscorer and many kids favourite player will not encourage parents to bring their kids to games at all!
— Mat Lutkin (@MWL1988) October 29, 2019
